Northern Ireland legend Chris Brunt insists it’s a “real honour” to officially open this summer's Budget Energy SuperCupNI – returning to one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in world football 23 years after representing his country against Brazil.

Brunt spent the entirety of his senior playing career in England with Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City alongside earning 65 international caps.

He made over 420 appearances during his 13-year stint with West Brom, including almost 270 in the Premier League, and remains at The Hawthorns as loans manager – he also briefly served as interim first team boss.

Brunt was part of a Northern Ireland team at the 2003 SuperCupNI which included Steven Davis, Michael McGovern, Dean Shiels and Sammy Clingan, while future Manchester City star Fernandinho was in the Brazilian side.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland legend Chris Brunt. (Photo by William Cherry/Presseye)

The 41-year-old will lead 64 elite boys' and girls' teams through the streets of Coleraine on Sunday, July 26 before officially declaring the 2026 tournament open at the Coleraine Showgrounds.

Brunt admits being asked to serve in the role this year has extra significance for his family after the passing of his father-in-law, who was involved with the Co Down team.

"It's a real honour to be invited to officially open this year's Budget Energy SuperCupNI,” said Brunt. "Growing up, it was one of the tournaments every young footballer wanted to play in.

"I was fortunate enough to represent Northern Ireland in the Elite Section in 2003, and I still remember playing against a Brazil side packed with outstanding talent.

"Throughout my career, I played with and against players from all over the world, and whenever the Budget Energy SuperCupNI came up in conversation, people always spoke about the football, the atmosphere and the memories they had of playing here.

"I also heard recently that 26 players at this summer's FIFA World Cup had previously played in the tournament.

"That's an incredible statistic. It tells you everything about the standard of players and teams the tournament continues to attract.

"The players taking part this summer will just be focused on enjoying themselves and representing their clubs, counties and countries, but there'll undoubtedly be some who go on to have fantastic careers in the game.

"I'm really looking forward to being part of the Welcome Parade, officially opening the tournament and welcoming everyone to Northern Ireland for what I'm sure will be another brilliant week of football.

"This year's tournament will also be a particularly poignant one for my family following the sad passing of my father-in-law earlier this year.

"He was incredibly passionate about the Budget Energy SuperCupNI and served as Treasurer of the County Down teams, so I know just how much the tournament meant to him.

"It will be a real privilege to officially open this year's event, and I know he would have been immensely proud to see another special week of football get underway.”

Sam Gamble, the SuperCupNI’s tournament co-ordinator, said: "Chris experienced the tournament as a player before going on to captain a Premier League club and earn 65 caps for Northern Ireland.

"That gives him a genuine understanding of what this competition means to young footballers.

"Every year, we welcome talented young players from across the world, all looking to test themselves against some of the best opposition they'll face.

"Chris's career shows where those opportunities can lead, and it's really special that someone who once played in the tournament will now return to officially open it.”